BJP to revise LS list after desertions

The BJP has asked its state units to revisit their list of probable candidates for the Lok Sabha elections in the light of desertion by eight party MPs during the trust vote, reports Shekhar Iyer.

The BJP has asked its state units to revisit their list of probable candidates for the Lok Sabha elections in the light of desertion by eight party MPs during the trust vote. The party's central election committee, which was to meet on July 28, has been put off to allow more time for revision of names.

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Only a month ago, the BJP announced the first list of names, including that of L.K. Advani. However, wiser after it had to expel eight MPs for defying the party's whip in the trust vote, top BJP leaders believe they should exercise more caution in choice of candidates.

BJP vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the party intended to make "dependable" as yet another criteria for selecting the candidates for the next Lok Sabha elections. This factor may now outweigh other considerations like personality or popularity.

Interestingly, the BJP had deferred the release of the second list of candidates, mostly from Uttar Pradesh, after its meeting here on July 12 for fears of those MPs who are denied the ticket shifting loyalty.